big cliff. >> reporter: president obama had scolded congress for waiting so long. >> one thing we can count on with respect to this congress is that if there's even one second left before you have to do what you're supposed to do, they will use that last second. >> reporter: the bush era tax cuts remain in place for individuals earning as much as $400,000 a year and families $450,000 a year. far above the $250,000 on which president obama campaigned. those making more will see higher income taxes, capital gains and dividends rates. san francisco tax attorney rob wood says you will notice on the paycheck one popular tax cut will be history. >> say the average person earning $1,500 a year will earn $20 more in tax increases. >> reporter: it extends unemployment benefits for one year and keep the child tax credit for workers who don't earn enough to pay income taxes. and the alternative minimum tax got a tax for inflation. that shields an average of $300,000 each in higher taxings. get ready for a confusing tax season. >> it's very likely that people will not be able to file on time and